Las Virgenes Schools Offer 2 Different Fall Options

CALABASAS, CA — Similar to other nearby school districts, the Las Virgenes Unified School District will offer families two different options for the upcoming fall.

Parents will be able to choose between virtual and in-person learning. The Virtual Learning Academy, also known as LVUSD@Home, will connect students to online classrooms. According to the district, the virtual academy will give students access to high-quality instruction, assessments, socio-emotional learning, and events.

Superintendent Dan Stepenosky told The Acorn that 30 percent of families surveyed said they would be interested in a virtual academy, and roughly 150 families have signed up so far.

“Our Academy will include a platform that delivers rigorous direct instruction of standards-aligned, and District-adopted curriculum,” the district said in a statement. “Additionally, we will provide authentic assessments and sustained levels of student and staff support. We will emphasize regularly connecting with students to meet their social-emotional needs. There will be a consistent and regular schedule of learning for our students.”

Students will receive anywhere from 60 to 110 minutes per week of direct instruction from teachers, depending on grade level. In between lessons, students will work on independent projects, literacy activities, and small group learning. Students will also be able to take virtual classes in the arts, yoga, mindfulness, and more.

Parents have until July 31 to enroll in the Academy.

Students also have the option to return to campus. Stepenosky said that students will likely attend in staggered groups so that too many students won’t be on campus at the same time. For now, students much choose either the virtual or in-person option, but Stepenosky also said that the district is considering how to allow students to move back and forth.

He added that he feels it’s important for the socio-emotional development of students in lower grades to meet in-person, so the district is trying everything it can to bring them back to campus safely.

In a video posted above, Stepenosky said that the district has ordered 150 touchless thermometers, installed Plexiglass in the main offices, and ordered 31 electrostatic cleaners and touchless handwashing stations. Stepenosky said that the district will be ready to share more detailed plans for its curricula and on-campus safety measures later in July.

“There have a lot of challenges,” Stepenosky said in the video. “Our region, our city, our state, the nation. These are truly challenging times – I haven’t seen times like this in my 25 years in education. I strongly encourage you to stay informed, use and raise your voice, and remain engaged.”